Mapping the field of social capital with innovation and future research agenda: a bibliometric and visualization analysis

Abstract

Purpose

Recent years have seen a substantial increase in academic interest in social capital and innovation. Nonetheless, the bibliometric and visualization study on this subject is inadequate. This study aims to analyse the leading trends in literature that have connected social capital with innovation over the past few decades.

Design/methodology/approach

This study attempts to provide an overview utilizing various bibliometric techniques combined with assorted themes and data extracted from the Scopus database. Results based on 716 documents reveal not only the principal modern trends but also the evolution of these scientific production developments.

Findings

Results based on 716 Scopus indexed documents reveal the trends and trajectories as well as specific topics, journals and countries of social capital and innovation research Furthermore, this study offers an overview of trends and trajectories, as well as a visual and schematic framework for further research on this subject.

Originality/value

Since there is lack of analyses the bibliographic data on social capital-related innovation, so this study is a unique contribution to the literature as complement. This may benefit researchers in identifying current trends and prospective study areas, as well as assisting future authors in conducting more efficient studies.

Citation

Gu, Z., Meng, F. and Wang, S. (2023), "Mapping the field of social capital with innovation and future research agenda: a bibliometric and visualization analysis", Journal of Intellectual Capital, Vol. 24 No. 3, pp. 757-779. https://doi.org/10.1108/JIC-09-2021-0248